Developing a Minor Program in Nuclear Science and Engineering

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has recently developed an academic minor program in Nuclear Science and Engineering for students majoring in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM). The minor program is structured around four courses that will feature progressively more advanced topics, and hands-on laboratory-based projects and experimental analysis. These courses are: a two-course sequence in Nuclear Science and Engineering with laboratory components, a course in nuclear radiation, and an introductory course in health physics. This paper describes the opportunities and challenges for offering a minor program in this field with respect to curriculum development, student recruitment, faculty development, and funding sources.